Alternative Names
Dressler syndrome; Post-MI pericarditis; Post-cardiac injury syndrome; Postcardiotomy pericarditis
Definition of Pericarditis – after heart attack
Pericarditis is inflammation and swelling of the covering of the heart (pericardium). The condition can occur in the days or weeks following a heart attack.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Two types of pericarditis can occur after a heart attack.
Signs and tests
The health care provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. There may be a rubbing sound (called a pericardial friction rub, not to be confused with a heart murmur). in general may be weak or sound far away.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to make the heart work better and reduce pain and other symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
The condition may come back, even in people who receive treatment. In some cases, untreated pericarditis can be life threatening.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Unviersity of Washington School of Medicine; and Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 7/10/2010
